Peak Pilgrimage
Walk in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims on this inspiring trail through the Peak District National Park. Let our expert leaders guide you along the Peak Pilgrimage Trail – a 39-mile walking route that offers an insight into the region's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Connecting Ilam and Eyam via the River Dove, it's a trail that explores everything from rolling hills to rugged moorlands, stopping by sacred sites and historic churches along the way. Together, we’ll uncover the warts-and-all history of Eyam during the Great Plague of 1665, reach some of the park’s most rewarding viewpoints, and soak up the Peak District at its most soul-stirring.
What you’ll love
- Taking a slow journey through the Peak District on this pilgrimage route
- Exploring historical churches and learning about the history of the area
- Walking a route which links landscapes, legends and people
- Staying at The Peveril of the Peak, our country house in Thorpe
- Small group sizes with a maximum of 15 guests per departure
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite rooms in our country house
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walks with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
- Peak Pilgrimage trail guide
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00 in 2026. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.
Distance: 8.5 miles (14km)
Ascent: 1,400 ft (440m)
Descent: 1,150 ft (360m)
Starting from the "Alpine" style village of Ilam our first walk of the trail crosses the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones and covers the full length of the Dovedale Valley – ample time to admire its limestone rock formations.
From the hamlet of Milldale, we’ll take a quiet lane to Alstonefield where the churchyard boasts the resting place of Annie Green - the oldest legible headstone in Britain. Leaving Alstonefield over grassland, we’ll descend back to the River Dove and through Beresford Dale and into Hartington.
Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km)
Ascent: 850 feet (260m)
Descent: 750 feet (240m)
After an initial ascent from Hartington much of today's walk is on tracks and the Tissington Trail (a former railway line now a footpath and cycle way). Along the way, there’s plenty of opportunity to admire open views across the landscape. The walk ends in the sleepy village of Monyash, once an important centre for mining and agriculture.
The day has been left free for you to relax or explore the local area.
Distance: 6 miles (9.5 km)
Ascent: 500 feet (160m)
Descent: 950 feet (280m)
This morning, our walk starts on grassland before following the course of the River Lathkill through the dale. Parts can be rocky, but there are many rewards. Leaving Lathkill, we’ll ascend to the village of Over Haddon. In the village churchyard, there’s a chance to spot the grave of Maurice Oldfield – a British intelligence officer said to be the inspiration for James Bond's "M".
The walk continues over fields and down into the market town of Bakewell where there’s free time to enjoy a coffee and perhaps sample one of the town’s famous treats – Bakewell Pudding and Bakewell Tart.
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,350 feet (480m)
Descent: 1,350 feet (420m)
There’ll be lots of ascent today. We start gently over the ridge to Chatsworth, first visiting Edensor Church, home to many Cavendish family graves. The Cavendish family have a long and significant history with the region and Chatsworth House – Derbyshire's most iconic stately home – has been their family seat since 1549. We’ll continue through the parklands of Chatsworth to another estate village, Baslow. From here it's a steady ascent (on a track) onto Baslow Edge and the first of our Gritstone Edges. The day ends descending back to the valley to Curbar Church
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
Descent: 1,150 feet (360m)
It's back up on the Edges this morning, but thankfully, the coach does the climb. Walk along Curbar and Froggatt Edges with 360-degree views that stretch towards our final destination, Eyam.
After descending to Grindleford Church the walk follows the Derwent Valley before reaching Stoney Middleton with its "Roman" bath house and octagonal church.
From here it's a short ascent, passing the Boundary Stone into Eyam (Plague Village) - one of the places worst-affected by the Great Plague of the mid-17th century. We’ll reach the final church on our itinerary and enjoy time to discover the history of the village and celebrate the end of our journey.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
The Peveril of the Peak
Named after Sir Walter Scott’s Peak District-set novel, this characterful country house is less than a mile from the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones and on the doorstep of Thorpe Cloud – a cone-shaped limestone hill that offers impressive views over the rolling green landscape that forms the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border. Both are easily accessible from the rear of the property.
There are plenty of big-name walking destinations nearby including the Roaches, the impressive Stanage Edge, and the Twelve Apostles - a group of rock spires best viewed from the limestone promontory known as Lover’s Leap.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, The Peveril of the Peak has 46 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.
Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Room supplements
| Superior | Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £25 pppn | £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Seasonal dining, tailored for you
Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a 40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.
Welcome Cream Tea
What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home. A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.
A hearty breakfast to start the day
Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.
Our famous picnic lunch
Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.
3-course evening meals
Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for The Peveril of the Peak
Getting to The Peveril of the Peak
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
The Peveril of the Peak
Thorpe
Dovedale
Ashbourne
Derbyshire DE6 2AW
Tel: +44 (0)1335 350396
By train
The nearest stations are Derby or Buxton.
Check National Rail for train times and routes.
By taxi
From Buxton railway station a taxi takes approximately 35 minutes.
From Derby railway station the 18-mile journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
For pricing, please contact Ashbourne Taxis directly.
Ashbourne Taxis
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Ashbourne Taxis*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:
Tel: +44 (0)1335 345198 / +44 (0)7398 783706
Email: ashbourne-taxis@hotmail.co.uk
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at The Peveril of the Peak.
*Ashbourne Taxis is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
By bus
There is a bus service as far as Ashbourne, about three miles from The Peveril of the Peak. You’ll need to take a taxi from Ashbourne, taking around 10 minutes, or use the Derbyshire Connect Service (telephone +44 (0)1335 342951).
From Buxton you can use the 442 service or from Derby catch the SWI service.
Check online for up-to-date bus times.
By car
From the south
Leave the M1 at junction 24 and head to Ashbourne via the A50 and A515. Continue north on the A515 towards Buxton. One mile north of Ashbourne turn left, signposted to Thorpe, Dovedale, and Ilam. After a further two miles the road bends sharply left by the Old Dog pub. The Peveril of the Peak is at the bottom of the hill.
From Buxton
Take the A515 south towards Ashbourne. After 17 miles turn right at the crossroads following signs to Thorpe. After one mile turn right by the Old Dog pub. You’ll find The Peveril of the Peak at the bottom of the hill.
From the west
Leave the M6 at junction 15 and head via the A50, Cheadle (A521), and Oakamoor (A5417) to the A52. At the junction of the A52 and the A523 take the minor road signposted to Ilam. After 1.5 miles turn left and descend the hill. Cross the bridge at Ilam, turn right, and follow the road through Dovedale and Thorpe village. The Peveril of the Peak is on the left-hand side at the end of the village.
By air
The nearest airport is East Midlands Airport.
We recommend pre-booking a taxi direct to The Peveril of the Peak, which is about 30 minutes away.
From London Luton Airport you’ll need to take the shuttle bus to Luton Airport Parkway station, then catch the train to Derby with one change at Leicester.
From Manchester International Airport there are trains every hour to Buxton with one change at Manchester Piccadilly. Allow one hour 40 minutes to Buxton.
Flying to London Heathrow Airport is another option but you’ll need to allow three hours to reach Derby. From Heathrow first take the Piccadilly line to London St Pancras. From here take a train direct to Derby.
National Rail has up-to-date train information.
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Rucksack with waterproof liner
- Flask for hot drinks
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
- Walking poles
The Peveril of the Peak Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Extra Savings for Members
HF Members save £30pp in the UK, £50pp in Europe & £80pp on worldwide holidays. Call us to join, add membership when booking online, or find out more here.All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
05 Jun - 12 Jun 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,299 £1,249 pp |
from £1,299 £1,249 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £50 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
18 Sep - 25 Sep 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,299 £1,249 pp |
from £1,299 £1,249 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £50 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
7 nights
from
£1,299pp
£1,249pp
£50 off 7-nt country house holidays
or call 020 3974 8865